1. OMG!
NewJeans basically invented a new chill-pop aesthetic with this. The understated production, those whispery vocals, it's all so perfectly calibrated. They didn't just release a song; they dropped a whole mood board, redefining what a global idol group could sound like. It’s effortless, viral, and set the standard for a generation. Absolute algorithm bait, but in the best possible way.
2. Get A Guitar
RIIZE stepped onto the scene with this track, immediately signaling SM's new direction. It’s that 'emotional pop' sound, ultra-smooth R&B with a groove that just settles in. Not loud, not overproduced, just genuinely cool. It's a debut that understands the power of understated confidence, proving you don't need a massive drop to own the global conversation.
3. Your Idol (from the Netflix film KPop Demon Hunters)
Okay, so a K-Pop demon hunter movie soundtrack? That’s peak hyper-contemporary content. This track probably leans into epic idol anthems with a dark, cinematic twist. It’s tapping into the fantasy, delivering that high-stakes, dramatic flair that makes K-pop narratives so compelling, but now with literal monster fights. It's a niche, but a powerful one.
4. Free Mind
IVE's B-sides often hit harder than their title tracks, and 'Free Mind' is that confident, sleek energy they do so well. It’s not chasing trends; it's defining their own lane of sophisticated pop. This is for the fans who dig deeper, understanding the full sonic landscape an idol group creates beyond the obvious viral moments. Pure, unadulterated IVE.
5. Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 53/66
This wasn't just a song; it was a cultural reset. Shakira, Bizarrap, and a brutal, yet brilliant, diss track. It became a global phenomenon, proving that raw, personal storytelling, when paired with an undeniable beat, transcends language and algorithms. A masterclass in weaponizing vulnerability and making a local moment a universal anthem. Unskippable, truly.
6. SHOOTING STAR REMIXX (PROD BY JAKOPS)
XG's original 'Shooting Star' was already stellar, but JAKOPS' remix takes it somewhere else entirely. It’s still got that global girl group swagger, but now with added layers of deconstructed, almost hyper-pop production. This track shows how artists are constantly evolving, re-imagining their sound for new algorithmic peaks, hitting harder every time. Next-level.
7. Paint The Town Red
Doja Cat just knows how to craft a viral moment. This track was everywhere, a masterclass in unapologetic confidence and a hook that absolutely refuses to exit your brain. It’s the sound of an artist owning their narrative, turning controversy into conversation, and creating a global pop moment that dominated feeds for months. Pure, unadulterated Doja.
